Manor proposes 40-bed memory care facility

Rogue Valley Manor plans to build a 40-bed memory care facility on the eastern perimeter of its Barneburg Hill campus.

The single-story, 37,321-square-foot center on just under 8 acres will allow Manor residents to have private rooms. At present, residents share rooms in the 25-bed memory care unit adjacent to the health center between Rogue Valley Manor and Skyline Plaza. The project is expected to cost $18 million, about double the Manor tower renovation price.

Although it was part of a 1998 Planned Unit Development adopted by the city, the memory care center remained on the back burner until recent years.

"It's been in the works for years," Executive Director Sarah Lynch said. "But we didn't know exactly what it would look like."

The project came into focus during the past two years as residents and the Manor board began fleshing out the issues.

"That's when the discussions got serious as far as what we wanted to do there," Lynch said.

The Site Plan and Architectural Commission gave its preliminary approval Nov. 18, and plans will be submitted for building permits in mid-December, Lynch said. She anticipates construction will commence next spring with completion in spring or summer 2018.

She said the new operation will require 20 full-time caregivers, dining and facility services employees.

Rogue Valley Manor covers 668 acres, with 1,000 residents and 530 employees. Access to the new facility will be off Village Center Drive.

Lynch was unsure whether the expansion would open additional space for tenants, because one spouse may often serve as a caregiver for the other, keeping apartments and cottages occupied.

"We're adding a total of 15 beds to the memory care program," she said. "If we end up with fewer skilled nursing beds, it could even out. So I don't think it will have a significant impact as far as availability."

— Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or business@mailtribune.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31.